Leslie Lucas is employed at the Goodwill Reynolds Rd. in-store Donation Station. Lucas, as he likes to be called, started his position as a Donation Station Attendant on December 22. He says that he really enjoys the position as it allows him to get out of his apartment, be with good people (which he really enjoys) and earn some money.

Lucas is trying to save money to move out of his present apartment building into something nicer with better surroundings. His supervisor, Harry, says he has never had anyone pick up on the job as quickly as Lucas did.

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio was recognized as an Excellent Community Partner for its support of the Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio and its community reentry events. Karyn McConnell, Director of Mission Services; Willie Knighten, BTF Navigator; and Jacob Spellis, BTF Navigator sit on the Board of Directors for the Reentry Coalition. Willie and Jacob are the Chairmen of the Employment Committee while Karyn will chair the newly-created Women’s Committee beginning next year.

Goodwill’s reentry efforts are certainly being noticed in the community!

Chad Reynolds joined the Goodwill Building The Future Program in April, 2017. Later that month, he was hired by Goodwill in the Contracts Department to do maintenance. According to his supervisor, Chad “shows great overall knowledge in the maintenance field. He works well independently and requires minimum supervision.”

Chad has proven to be a reliable and efficient employee. He is truly a positive addition to the Goodwill family.

Goodwill has been providing custodial contract services for over 30 years. The custodial contract department creates a revenue stream to help support Goodwill’s programs and creates employment opportunities for individuals throughout Northwest Ohio.

During the third quarter, we have been diligently working on new custodial contracts to increase employment opportunities and to increase much-needed funding for programs and services.

We were recently awarded cleaning services for TARTA and TARPS buses. In addition, we will clean all TARTA bus shelters. The City of Toledo Department of Bridges and Harbors has contracted us to provide janitorial services for all three of their locations. Toledo Water Division, Erie Street location, has awarded Goodwill with a janitorial contract as well.

Lastly, we have been commissioned by the City of Toledo to assist with the Recycling Awareness Program, creating opportunities of employment for four more Goodwill staff members.

These new contracts will add approximately 25 new jobs at Goodwill providing income and a new beginning for individuals in our community.

“I am very excited about the growth within the contracts division,” said David Takats, Chief Mission Officer. He went on further to say, “To experience this scope of growth in such a short amount of time is a true testament to our high level of quality standards and to our outstanding team members under the direction of Karen Mayer, Director of Contract Services.”

To receive a free quote for custodial cleaning at your business, call 419-255-0070 and ask for Karen!

Trish came to Goodwill in July, 2017 through the Building the Future program (BTF). BTF is designed to help re-entry citizens successfully integrate back into society. Trish’s first assignment was to work on an envelope sorting project where she quickly distinguished herself and became project manager. As such, she managed 15-17 youth program participants and kept them on task.

Trish did such a fantastic job with the project that she was quickly promoted to a new position within Goodwill, Janitorial Crew Leader. Currently, she is the Crew Leader for the District Headquarters contract.

She takes the lead and responsibility of transporting and supervising six crew members to and from the facility. Additionally she has taken on other responsibilities such as leading the crew for the newly awarded TARTA contract.

“I thought I was coming to Goodwill to simply have a job and to help get my life on track”, said Trish. “Little did I know it would shape my life and give me purpose I didn’t think possible. It was the first time that I set a goal for myself and accomplished it. I did it!”

Trish plans on advancing further within Goodwill and someday hopes to become the Director of Contracts. She further states, “I see Goodwill as this place that really helps people no one thinks about. People that come out of prison, people with disabilities, or people that just need a chance. I love to help people, and Goodwill is a place that has given me the opportunity to help others and I’m grateful for that.”

Congratulations Trish, and thank you for Believing in the Power of Work!

Goodwill has teamed up with Ohio Means Jobs (OMJ) in Lucas County to provide high quality assistance to job seekers. Goodwill’s role in this partnership is to assist returning citizens, veterans and individuals with disabilities with job seeking, soft skills, and employment placement opportunities.

In addition to the workforce de-velopment alliance, Goodwill collaborated with OMJ partners for a single day clothing donation drive. The public and partners from OMJ were asked to donate clothing at the Lucas County Goodwill locations and at the OMJ Center. Over 2,000 pounds of clothing was collected and Goodwill was able to provide OMJ partners with 51, $25.00 vouchers!

This partnership and the programs created are designed to streamline access to multiple training programs designed to assist individuals and businesses. Eric Slack, Job Developer for Goodwill, is teaching the first Reentry Career Readiness Training class at OMJ. The classes are based on the curriculum “Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success.” This eight week program is used in JSST training at Goodwill.

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously chosen Amy Wachob as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer and President. Wachob, who currently serves as Goodwill’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Bob Huber, the company’s current CEO, on November 1, 2016.

“After thorough succession planning and a comprehensive search process, the board is pleased to have found the best individual to assume leadership of this organization,” said Lisa Lay, Chair of the Goodwill Board of Directors. “The Board of Directors has complete confidence in its choice of Mrs. Wachob as Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio’s next President and CEO. We are excited to partner with her in driving the success of Goodwill’s mission.”

The selection of Wachob caps a national search process facilitated by Lay, and a committee assembled from the Goodwill Board of Directors. A large initial prospect pool was narrowed by stages to a group who interviewed with the board’s succession committee, and then to a final round who met with board leadership.

“I am very humbled and honored to be chosen as the next President/CEO for Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio,” said Wachob. “Helping people with disabilities and other disadvantages find employment is at the heart of this organization. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such a dedicated team of committed professionals in expanding our mission services throughout our region.”

Bob Huber, who will exit the CEO post after 28 years at Goodwill, 16 of those as President, expressed confidence in the board’s choice. “I am very happy with the Board of Directors decision to name Amy Wachob as my successor,” said Huber. “Amy is a remarkable leader who has been responsible for a great portion of our success over the years. I will turn the reigns over to most capable hands. Amy will lead Goodwill with confidence and a wealth of experience, serving more individuals with barriers to employment in the future.”

Wachob holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo. She joined Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio in 1991, and has held various management positions within the organization ever since. Mrs. Wachob also graduated from Goodwill Industries International’s award winning Executive Development Program, which serves to educate and prepare students for executive leadership positions. A lifelong resident of the Toledo area, Wachob has spent her adult life and career dedicated to helping individuals throughout Northwest Ohio overcome barriers to employment and growing the community. She and her husband Brian, have two children.

Additional Information: Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with over 80 years of experience helping Northwest Ohio residents every year. Last year, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio served more than 1000 individuals in the community with over 9,000 hours of workplace training recorded. Revenues generated through Goodwill’s network of 15 retail stores helps support this vital mission of service.

NaKayla came to Goodwill lacking confidence and self-assurance but wanted to work hard to find employment in the community. After working with Goodwill employment specialists, NaKayla became more confident and resilient in her search for employment. She is now extremely proud of her efforts and has been hired by the Toledo Zoo as a staff member in concessions.

“Goodwill taught me to be more confident in myself, keep advancing, and never give up my search for employment. They showed me how to fill out an application, how to answer interview questions, everything,” said, NaKayla. “I love my job, because I’m able to make friends and look forward to going to work each day. Thank you Goodwill for all you have done for me!”

Goodwill is extremely proud of NaKayla and looks forward to helping her advance in her career!

Grant to provide training and employment services for 170 adults

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. has been awarded a $1.35 million “Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry” federal grant to provide training, case management, mentoring and employment services to incarcerated adults transitioning back into the community. Goodwill in conjunction with several community partners will serve approximately 170 men and women who are in work release programs, recovery houses, and residential release centers.

The grant is part of $59 million the United States Department of Labor recently awarded to nonprofit agencies to develop or expand programs to improve the employment opportunities for adults and youth involved in the criminal justice system.

“The Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry grant is a solution to the growing economic problem of poverty and recidivism in Northwest Ohio,” said Bob Huber, President/CEO Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. “Through this investment, Goodwill will collaborate with local employers, training providers, and workforce development organizations to empower returning citizens with vocational training with in-demand professions in the region.”

Career pathways for the program participants include carpentry, brick laying, pipe fitting, masonry, mechanics, HVAC, welding, ironworking and sheet metal working. Career pathways will culminate in an industry-recognized credentialed program that will enable participants to advance within their professions.